CFIT vs SPY

Quick Verdict

SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.

Lower Fees: SPYHigher Returns: SPYMore Diversified: SPY

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricCFITSPYWinner
Expense Ratio0.50%0.09%
AUM$42M$789.1B
Dividend Yield3.86%1.01%
Holdings6505
YTD Return+2.62%+13.79%
1Y Return+6.83%+23.66%
3Y Return (annualized)-+21.40%
5Y Return (annualized)-+13.37%
Volatility (annualized)6.7%15.3%
Max Drawdown-5.3%-56.5%
Fund FamilyCambria Investment ManagementState Street Investment Management
CategoryFixed IncomeEquity
InceptionMar 28, 2025Jan 22, 1993

CFIT vs SPY Performance

Cambria Fixed Income Trend ETF (CFIT) is a ETF from Cambria Investment Management and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year CFIT returned +6.83% while SPY returned +23.66%. Year to date, CFIT is up 2.62% versus a gain of 13.79% for SPY.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

SPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 6.7% for CFIT. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.

The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -5.3% for CFIT and -56.5% for SPY. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.

The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.78. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.

Fees and Cost Over Time

CFIT charges 0.50% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $50 vs $9 annually, a gap of $41 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, CFIT currently yields 3.86% against 1.01% for SPY.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

CFIT and SPY share 0 holdings out of 509 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, CFIT or SPY?

CFIT has an expense ratio of 0.50% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $41 per year of difference.

Which performed better, CFIT or SPY?

Over the past year CFIT returned +6.83% vs +23.66% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), CFIT annualized +4.96% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, CFIT or SPY?

SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 6.7% for CFIT. Worst drawdown: CFIT -5.3% vs SPY -56.5%.

Should I hold both CFIT and SPY?

CFIT and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.78, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between CFIT and SPY?

CFIT and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 509 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, CFIT or SPY?

CFIT yields 3.86% while SPY yields 1.01%, so CFIT currently pays the higher dividend yield.

Get Full ETF Analytics

Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.

See inside every ETF you own
$29/moCancel anytime.
Try FundXLS →